Robusto may not carry the star billing of his rivals in Saturday’s Group 1 Winx Stakes, but his race fitness could prove decisive in a field stacked with proven elite performers.

Bjorn Baker has deliberately kept the gelding up to the mark through the winter months, giving him the edge over more highly rated opponents such as Via Sistina, Fangirl and Ceolwulf, who are all first-up. Nine of the 12 acceptors boast Group 1 wins, but Robusto’s consistency has earned him his place in the line-up.

Regular rider Josh Parr said conditions could level the playing field. “He obviously doesn’t have the status of some of his opposition but in a race where fitness is going to be very important, that brings him into it,” Parr said. “I don’t think a bottomless track is ideal for him but if it becomes the survival of the fittest, you just never know. He might be it.”

Robusto already has a major on his résumé after capturing the The Ingham (1600m) in December and has been in great touch since, running second in the Winter Stakes (1400m) and taking out the Winter Challenge (1500m) last start.

Although his program was disrupted when the Missile Stakes was abandoned due to rain, Parr said Baker has done a superb job maintaining his edge. “It’s quite amazing how he has been able to keep him at this level of performance for the entire preparation. He hasn’t shown any signs of going off,” Parr said.

Baker has form for spring upsets at Randwick, famously winning this race in 2019 with $31 outsider Samadoubt. He will also saddle War Eternal and Sydney Cup winner Arapaho alongside Robusto.

Parr will later ride Glad You Think So for John Sargent and believes the gelding is primed after a last-start win. “He does appreciate wet ground, which we’ll get on Saturday, so that will bring him into it,” Parr said of the ATC Australian Derby placegetter.

Punters can follow Robusto’s potential upset bid in the Winx Stakes with markets available via leading betting sites.